JinkoSolar Files Patent Infringement Lawsuit Against VSUN and Affiliates

Rhea-AI Summary

JinkoSolar (NYSE: JKS) has initiated a patent infringement lawsuit against VSUN Solar USA, Toyo Co., and their related entities in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. The lawsuit aims to protect JinkoSolar's intellectual property rights, particularly concerning their proprietary technology. The company holds over 2,800 patents, including 462 patents specifically related to N-type TOPCon technology, positioning them as one of the industry leaders in TOPCon patent holdings.

Positive

• Strong intellectual property portfolio with 2,800+ patents
• Industry leadership in TOPCon technology with 462 related patents

Negative

• Legal expenses and resources required for patent litigation

Insights

Legal Expert

This patent infringement lawsuit marks a significant development in the solar industry's intellectual property landscape. With JinkoSolar's substantial portfolio of 2,800 patents, including 462 TOPCon-specific patents, this legal action demonstrates the company's commitment to protecting its R&D investments. Patent litigation in the solar sector can have material implications for market share and competitive dynamics, particularly in the U.S. market where intellectual property rights are strongly enforced. The choice of venue in the Northern District of California is strategic, as this court has extensive experience with complex technology patents. The involvement of Perkins Coie, a top-tier law firm, suggests JinkoSolar is preparing for a substantial legal battle that could impact both companies' market positions and potentially result in monetary damages or injunctive relief.

Tech Expert

The focus on N-type TOPCon technology in this lawsuit is particularly noteworthy. TOPCon represents one of the most advanced solar cell architectures currently available, offering higher efficiency and better performance compared to conventional PERC technology. JinkoSolar's extensive patent portfolio in this specific technology indicates their significant investment in next-generation solar solutions. The lawsuit could have broader implications for the entire solar industry, potentially affecting the availability and pricing of high-efficiency solar modules in the U.S. market. This case highlights the increasing importance of intellectual property protection in the rapidly evolving solar technology sector, where maintaining technological advantages is important for market leadership.

Lawsuit Filed in U.S. District Court in California regarding Jinko's Proprietary Technology

SAN FRANCISCO, Dec. 7, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd. ("JinkoSolar" or the "Company") (NYSE: JKS), one of the largest and most innovative solar module manufacturers in the world, today announced that it has filed a patent infringement action in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California (San Francisco) against VSUN Solar USA, Inc., Toyo Co., Ltd., and their related entities in the U.S. and abroad for infringement of JinkoSolar's patents.

JinkoSolar has been awarded over 2,800 issued patents, with a proprietary portfolio that includes 462 industry-leading patents related to N-type TOPCon technology, one of the highest numbers of TOPCon patents in the industry. 

"JinkoSolar has earned its leadership position in the global solar module market through significant R&D investments and will vigorously defend its intellectual property against those who sell infringing products," said Louise Lu, a patent litigation lawyer with the Perkins Coie law firm.

JinkoSolar is represented by Lu, as well as Miguel Bombach and Abigail Gardner of Perkins Coie.

About JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.

JinkoSolar (NYSE: JKS) is one of the largest and most innovative solar module manufacturers in the world. JinkoSolar distributes its solar products and sells its solutions and services to a diversified international utility, commercial and residential customer base in China, the United States, Japan, Germany, the United Kingdom, Chile, South Africa, India, Mexico, Brazil, the United Arab Emirates, Italy, Spain, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Poland, Austria, Switzerland, Greece and other countries and regions.

JinkoSolar had over 10 productions facilities globally, over 20 overseas subsidiaries in Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, India, Turkey, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, the United States, Mexico, Brazil, Chile, Australia, Canada, Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates, Denmark, Indonesia, Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, and a global sales network with sales teams  in China, the United States, Canada, Brazil, Chile, Mexico, Italy, Germany, Turkey, Spain, Japan, the United Arab Emirates, Netherlands, Vietnam and India, as of September 30, 2024.

To find out more, please see: www.jinkosolar.com

Safe Harbor Statement

This press release contains forward-looking statements. These statements constitute "forward-looking" statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "will," "expects," "anticipates," "future," "intends," "plans," "believes," "estimates" and similar statements. Among other things, the quotations from management in this press release and the Company's operations and business outlook, contain forward-looking statements. Such statements involve certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in JinkoSolar's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including its annual report on Form 20-F. Except as required by law, the Company does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

In China:
Ms. Stella Wang
JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.
Tel: +86 21-5180-8777 ext.7806
Email: ir@jinkosolar.com

In the U.S.:
Mr. Ian Christopher McCaleb
Blue Highway Advisory
Email: ian@bluehighwayadvisory.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/jinkosolar-files-patent-infringement-lawsuit-against-vsun-and-affiliates-302325428.html

SOURCE JinkoSolar Holding Co., Ltd.

FAQ

Why did JinkoSolar (JKS) file a patent infringement lawsuit against VSUN?

JinkoSolar filed the lawsuit to protect its intellectual property rights and patents against alleged infringement by VSUN Solar USA, Toyo Co., and their related entities.

How many patents does JinkoSolar (JKS) currently hold?

JinkoSolar holds over 2,800 issued patents, including 462 patents specifically related to N-type TOPCon technology.

Where did JinkoSolar (JKS) file the patent infringement lawsuit in 2024?

JinkoSolar filed the lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California (San Francisco).